2008 Chevrolet full line overview

The redesigned Malibu, a challenger to the midsize segment?s most popular sedans, and a more powerful version of America?s iconic sports car ? Corvette ? lead Chevrolet?s strong and diverse lineup of cars into the 2008 model year.

The all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu delivers great performance, fuel economy and refinement, wrapped in a clean, tailored design. The new Malibu is based on GM?s global midsize platform, which serves as the foundation for a strong body structure, precise build quality and refined driving dynamics.

?The 2008 Malibu rewrites Chevrolet?s midsize car strategy, offering a stylish, uncompromising package that stacks up against the most popular competitors,? said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. ?We know the competition is very good, and this new Malibu has the goods ? both tangible and intangible ? to assert a leadership position in the segment and re-affirm Chevrolet?s commitment to expressive cars.?

The ?08 Malibu is more than three inches (76 mm) longer than the current model, with a six-inch-longer (162 mm) wheelbase. These proportions create a wheels-at-the-corners stance that enables a smoother, more direct driving experience. Malibu is offered in several well-equipped trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ ? all with standard head-curtain side air bags and front-seat thorax air bags, OnStar Gen 7 with remote diagnostics, and XM Satellite Radio. StabiliTrak stability control is standard on LT and LTZ models.

Performance comes from a family of powerful dual-overhead cam four- and six-cylinder engines, including a 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine and a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V-6 and will be available later in the model year with the 2.4L four-cylinder LTZ ? a segment first.

As for the 2008 Corvette, it features everything from an all-new, larger and more powerful V-8 engine, to refinements in driving characteristics that solidify the Corvette?s position as the preeminent American sports car ? and further the argument that it is one of the world?s best. There are also a host of exterior and interior refinements that raise the Corvette?s luxury status and enhance the feeling of craftsmanship.

?Corvette is an uncompromising sports car that rewards its owners with impeccable performance and great comfort,? said Peper. ?The changes and enhancements to the 2008 Corvette reflect continual improvements that speak to Chevrolet?s unflagging commitment to building the best sports car ? and with nearly 55 years of experience, the Corvette just keeps getting better and better.?

The new, 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the standard engine in Coupe and Convertible models. It is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (586 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system; with the new, optional two-mode exhaust system, power ratings increase to 436 horses / 325 kW and 428 lb.-ft. / 592 Nm. As a result, the standard Corvette is true supercar, capable of 190 mph. The LS3 with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic is the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever, with 0-60 mph capability of 4.3 seconds.

The shifting efforts for both the six-speed manual transmission and paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmissions have been improved in ?08 Corvette models. The manual transmission shifting improvements include a more positive and direct feel during gear changes, with better gate-to-gate location. The six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission on Coupe and Convertible is improved with new hardware and a new controller calibration that deliver quicker shifts.

Also new on the 2008 Corvette are new wheel designs, a luxury interior package and two new premium exterior colors. Returning for ?08 is the Z06 ultra-performance model, which boasts 505 horsepower from its 7.0L V-8.

Here?s a look at the rest of the ?08 Chevy car lineup:

Aveo

Redesigned for 2007, the Chevrolet Aveo sedan cruises into the ?08 model year with refinements designed to bolster its appearance and safety. In the style department, new 15-inch aluminum wheels join the lineup, along with chrome door handles. From the safety standpoint, a tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models.

The Aveo sedan offers a smart looking exterior and a roomy interior that is characterized by thoughtful details and refinement. It also delivers a confident, dynamic driving experience and generous features usually seen in more expensive cars. It was designed to challenge expectations of what an entry-level car can deliver.

Also returning for ?08 is the versatile Aveo5, a five-door model infused with the dynamic attributes of the Aveo sedan, but with a distinctive five-door body style. Both the Aveo5 and Aveo sedan are powered by a sophisticated and fuel-efficient 1.6L DOHC engine that offers fuel economy that is among the segment?s best.

More than just an affordable small car, the 2008 Chevy Aveo is an uncompromising performer, with a great design, a smooth, safe driving experience and amenities that until now were rare in the segment.

Cobalt

The Cobalt enters the 2008 model year on the heels of a successful ?07 model year, which introduced several significant enhancements, including more powerful Ecotec engines. For ?08, the Cobalt builds on that powerful foundation with a streamlined model lineup and more standard safety and convenience equipment.

The ?08 Cobalt lineup includes LS, LT and Sport models. The SS and SS Supercharged designations have been put on hiatus while the next generation in Cobalt high performance?s legacy is finalized. Also, the previous Sport Package is now the Performance Appearance Package and is available on 2LT models; it includes a rear spoiler, 16-inch aluminum wheels, stainless steel exhaust with chrome tips, fog lamps, white-face gauges, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob.

Cobalt?s enhanced safety features include:

StabiliTrak electronic stability control system standard on 2LT and Sport
Traction control standard on all models equipped with an automatic transmission and optional ABS
Tire pressure monitoring system standard on all models
Headcurtain side impact air bags standard on all models
OnStar standard on 2LT and Sport; available on 1LT
And for those who enjoy a broad range of radio selections, XM Satellite Radio is standard on all models.

Impala and Impala SS

The 2008 Impala reinforces the brand?s value story with new features and revisions that add to its safety and efficiency, including the addition of standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control on 2LT, LTZ and SS models; and the addition of E85 FlexFuel capability to the 3.9L V-6 engine ? an engine that also is equipped with the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management? feature.

This marks the second engine in the Impala lineup to offer E85 capability; the 3.5L V-6 also is offered in a FlexFuel configuration. In fact, fuel-saving and FlexFuel powertrains are found in all Impala models:

The 3.5L V-6 of LS and LT models comes standard with E85 FlexFuel capability in some markets and is available with it in some others
The 3.9L V-6 that is standard on LTZ (and available on LT) is equipped with standard E85 FlexFuel capability and Active Fuel Management
The 5.3L V-8 of the Impala SS comes with standard Active Fuel Management
Active Fuel Management is a fuel-saving technology that shuts off half the engine?s cylinders when full power is not needed. It can improve fuel economy by up to 12 percent in certain driving situations.

There is also a new 1LT Luxury Edition package that includes a leather-trimmed interior ? including a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls ? flip-and-fold rear seat, four-wheel ABS with electronic traction control, rear spoiler, OnStar with Turn-By-Turn Navigation and one-year Directions & Connections service. This package offers popular features and industry?s easiest-to-use navigation system at a discounted price.